I had posted a while ago about being on Effexor XR for a while. I recently had my dosage increased?

From 112.5 to 150mg(17 days ago) and though I do feel better with the depression and anxiety then I did when I started this med 6 weeks ago, I'm still dealing with daily GAD. My question is, pdoc said that 17 days at 150mg is not long enough to know if it will work for my GAD at this doseage. So has anyone else had to wait more then 17 days (after 6 weeks total in med) for 150mg to show improvements or resolution with GAD? Pdoc says I can up I 187.5 now if I want or give the 150mg more time. I was gonna hang in there and try and give the lower dose more time, but as most of us know, GAD can lead one to feel depressed. And sense the depression has lifted I don't want that to return due to GAD not lifting more. Also, my pdoc says there is always a "lag" between dosage increase and benefit from that dosage when dealing with GAD. Anyone else find this to be true? Thanks for answers. I don't want to get "stuck" in my recovery.

Responses (1)

Yes, 2-3 weeks is a minimum, for that increase I would say 4-5 weeks, also, as I learned, make a sincere effort (is you're not already) to pursue non-medication related solutions, including nutritional.

Yes, this makes sense. On tues of next week I'll be at 19 days at 150, and pdoc has saids probably have me increase unless I've shown improvement. So I'll wait into then and check in with her regarding if I need I wait longer. She always says it's up to how uncomfortable I am. But she does not go up quicker than two to three week mark.

I was on 150mg and found it eased depression and anxiety. Your body needs time to adjust to the higher dose, so give it a bit more time. If you do not feel any improvement after 8 weeks, have a word with your doctor. Let us know how you get on.

I agree with Pansy as I found it took 2-3 months to really see the full effects of dosage increases. Maybe you could hang a while longer to see how it goes? Not that raising your dose would be a bad thing if needed, but of course you want to try for the lowest effective dose.Good luck! WCV

Thank you all so much. I've had a dip backwards the past 3 days where I've felt a bit depressed. It is odd after having such steady improvements for two weeks. So pdoc called me tonight and told me to up tomorrow to 187.5. I guess I'm freaking out that I'm not gonna get this GAD and depression resolved! Help!! I was completely healthy and teen had a traumatic event happen that sent me into this space. I would LOVE some more encouragement that his can be resolved. I don't feel as bad as 6 weeks ago, so I am responding, I just don't feel ok enough to work. I'm hoping that the med will continue to work. I know it can take up to 3 months for some, but I'm nervous!!

Mmei, hey, you're doing good! You're on the road, just not at your destination quite yet. As my psych says, this didn't happen overnight and it's not going to get better overnight.We (almost all of us) have been through this. Adjusting med dosages, sometimes having to even change or add medications.Okay, it's a PIA, but it's what we need to do ~ in addition to being patient.Hang in there, appreciate the good days, and try not to fret about little setbacks. It happens.It's great, very positive, that you hollered for help. Feel free ~ we're with you!

Thanks again. I went up in dose this morn. I'm worried still. I was waking up with very little anxiety the past couple weeks, and now not so much. I hope that I so t need to change meds. This one had seem to be working. So, it is normal then to have set backs? My pdoc was sort of surprised that I was having one since I was responding so well. Did any if you reach remission?

I had a few setbacks, Ithink you get a jolt and then level out, or your body adjusts and needs more. I don't know, but it sure happened to me.Remission? As long as I'm on my meds I'm happy and productive as a little clam!. Some people, though, are able to taper down okay after they're on the meds long enough.

I am happy to hear that you're happy and productive! I don't care if I need to stay on meds to be happy. Doc just thinks probably a year or two for me since this is a new experience for me brought on by trauma. I do not care about being on the meds at all as long as they work and make me productive and at peace with life.

I am glad that things are improving slowly for you. I was on anti depressants for over 20 years and stopped last year at my doctor's suggestion. I am in my 70s and perhaps it is better at my age not to take anti depressants. I don't know. It is a year since I stopped but beginning to feel poorly again. I hope all you young people benefit from the medication.

I need support. I am at my beginning if my 4th week at 150mg and still have anxiety and depression. Not as bad as when I started the med, but I'm sure I need to go up in dose, but when I did this a week ago I sprialed downward. I feel like I'm never gonna get better. HELP please with words of encouragement. Doc still believes this is the right med because I am slowly responding, but she added Buspar a few days ago I help the anxiety piece. 30mg a day. Anyone else find that it took 3 mo to get back to normal???

I try and stay busy with family and friends. I don't work due to my current situation. I was walking a lot until the rain set in here. Counseling too. I get scared I have TRD. Doc says "no". I also go to church groups a couple times a week. I eat well, and that's about it.

Ya know, I've never been a "hobby" person. I worked with at risk youth and was a full time mom and housewife. I also ran my own business from home part-time. I had really no time for hobbies. When I did have a day off, I'd either spend it with my family at the coast or mountains, or go out with friends. I've been tryin to figure out what to do with myself. Even thought of volunteering. I also took care if my elderly mom for two years, so I was super active and well until this all happened.

I wanted to give an update. Still on 150mg. I'm currently in my 5th week at this dosage. My depression has eased substantially, but the daily anxiety is still with me. Not as severe ( but I figure that with the reduction in such major depressive symptoms, this has helped my anxiety some as a result). Pdoc says there is still time for Effexor xr to resolve anxiety too, so I am trying to wait out the med. I have been looking for volunteer work and started an excercise routine as well. I'm also in counseling. So, I know that some if you say to give this dose time. Just wondering if I should give it 2 more weeks or more? Pdoc says it can take up to 12 weeks at a dosage for it's full effect to be felt. Te Buspar helps a tiny bit. Nothing major though. I only take 20mg if that a day. Early morn and before bed. Thoughts??